Last Updated on December 18, 2016 by Marc Seward
If it’s not the dentist we fear, it’s the outrageous bill we get from filling a simple cavity. Unfortunately, your dental health is not something you can ignore. Cavities left untreated lead to more painful, pricier problems down the road and therefore the problem should be nipped in the bud ASAP.
No one is impervious to cavities, however, not everyone has access to dental care or can afford the astronomical bills of a trip to the dentist. Currently there is research being conducted to see whether or not there are steps one can take to naturally and holistically reverse their cavities.
Although at this time there is no solid scientific research indicating the efficacy of these treatments, anecdotal research indicates that these home remedies are indeed effective for building up weakening teeth and for preventing and reversing the early development of cavities in the first place.
What Causes Cavities
If you have a cavity, do not despair. Tooth decay is not just the result of lacking hygienic habits. In fact, the development of cavities can be directly contributed to your diet. Tooth decay may occur when foods loaded with carbohydrates (starches and sugars) such as sweets, baked goods, pop, raisins come into frequent contact with the teeth.
Bacteria that lives in the mouth (yes, we all have it), live and thrive off the residue of these foods and as a result, produce acid in the mouth. Over time, these acids wear down tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.
Some dentists believe that there are other dietary habits and deficiencies that lead to tooth decay:
- Eating too many foods with processed sugar.
- Consuming too many foods high in phytic acid.
- Not getting enough minerals in the diet such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Not consuming enough fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Especially vitamin D, which is vital to strong, healthy teeth.
Healing Cavities Naturally
Many people believe that you do not have to shell out hundreds of dollars to fill a simple cavity. They believe that you can heal cavities naturally and cure tooth decay will simple dietary changes and picking up a couple holistic healing strategies.
If you’re looking for a natural way to maintain your oral health, or are just looking for a natural way to maintain the strength of your tooth enamel, below are a list of home remedies you can try.
Eliminate Sugar
The first thing you should do to prevent cavities from developing is to completely eliminate sugar from your diet. Sugar not only feeds the bacteria that creates the acid responsible for eating up tooth enamel, but it also prevents the secretion of dental fluids.
When this sugary acid is left on your on your teeth, your teeth become decalcified and demineralized, effectively compromising the structure of each tooth. Avoid pop, fruit juices, candy, sweets, etc. If you must have some sweets in your life, consider using raw honey or maple syrup to sweeten your food and drinks.
However, use these sparingly, as they too can contribute to tooth decay when used in excess. Some people prefer to use artificial sweeteners, which is okay, however they can have other negative health effects, so use in moderation.
Eliminate Phytic Acid
Phytic acid, which can be found in nuts, seeds, grains, and beans, is an enzyme inhibitor and a mineral blocker. As a result, regularly consuming food rich in phytic acid can effectively wear on your dental health.
Mineral deficiencies not only contribute to tooth decay, but also bone loss and diseases such as osteoporosis. So if you want to prevent cavities and disease, limit your consumption of grains and avoid soy products if you can.
If you must have grains in your diet, you may consume fermented grains in moderation, such as sourdough bread. If you’re big into snacking nuts, consider eating nuts, seeds, and grains that have been sprouted.
Nutrients and Raw Dairy
Incorporate nutrient rich foods and raw dairy into your diet. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals encourage the secretion and flow of healthy dental fluids that help maintain healthy and strong teeth.
Foods high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, fat-soluble vitamins, and vitamins K2 and D3 are absolutely necessary to maintaining the health and integrity of your teeth.
If you’re unsure how to incorporate these foods into your diet, here’s a general list of foods to try:
- Leafy green vegetables, raw or cooked
- Raw dairy such as cheese, grass-fed butter and kefir
- Bone broth, meat, eggs, and fish
- A piece of fruit early in the day (but make sure to brush your teeth after, as some fruit contains acid-eroding juices)
- Foods that contain healthy fat such as avocados, olives, fish, coconut oil, and fermented cod liver oil
Supplements
If you’re having a difficult time incorporating vitamin and mineral rich foods into your diet necessary to proper dental health, there are some supplements you can take:
- Vitamin D or just try to get enough sunshine in your life.
- Magnesium
- Fermented cod liver oil, which is rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K.
- Consuming bone broth can be replaced with a gelatin supplement, which is great for the health of your gums.
Mineralizing Tooth Paste
Mineralizing toothpaste is an easy way to help restore the minerals lost every time your brush your teeth. By consistently brushing your teeth with this kind of toothpaste, you strengthen the enamel of your teeth and prevent cavities from occurring in the first place.
Oil Pulling
Over the last couple years, news of oil pulling has taken the Internet by storm. Many people believe that by swishing coconut oil in your mouth first thing in the morning, you can eliminate toxins, improve your overall health, and heal your cavities.
Ayurvedic medicine has been practicing oil pulling for years and believes that our teeth are porous and covered in minute little holes, mirroring the structure of a sponge. By practicing oil puling Ayurvedic medicine believes that you can deliver vital nutrients and minerals into these tiny passages, strengthening the structure of your teeth.
Not only is it believed that oil pulling will restore the structure of your teeth, but it will also draw out harmful toxins responsible for tooth decay as well. Coconut oil is also contains good fat and antibacterial properties, both very good things for maintaining your oral health. If you’re interested in oil pulling:
- Take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth, taking care not to swallow.
- Swish the oil around, taking care to move your mouth sideways and back and forth.
- Swish the oil around for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, spit out the coconut oil.
- The best time to do oil pulling is first thing in the morning, before you brush your teeth.
- Be sure to do this practice daily for at least 20 minutes.
- Its recommended to follow this up with a mineralizing toothpaste.
Some Considerations
It is important to note that none of these home remedies are medically proven. It should also be noted that nothing should be substituted for medical and dental intervention if you are in pain or may have an infection. You may require fillings or have dental issues beyond cavities.
If you are interested in using the above remedies as a way for preventing the development of cavities, discuss these dietary and supplement remedies with your dentist and primary physician.
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